In a shocking incident on Thursday evening, April 17, 2025, a 23-year-old man attacked two individuals with a knife outside an Aldi supermarket in Rochlitz, a town located between Leipzig and Chemnitz in Saxony. The attack left a 59-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man seriously injured, prompting swift action from law enforcement and emergency services.
The police reported that the 59-year-old woman was leaving the supermarket when the assailant, who had a restraining order against him, suddenly attacked her, inflicting multiple stab wounds. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one bystander screaming for help as the attack unfolded.
According to the police, the suspect had previously entered the supermarket earlier that day but left after being asked to do so by an employee due to the restraining order. However, he returned to the scene around 6:45 PM, positioning himself near the entrance before launching the unprovoked attack.
As the woman was assaulted, an 18-year-old employee from a neighboring store rushed to her aid, only to be attacked himself by the assailant. Both victims were quickly transported to a local hospital, where they were treated for their injuries. Fortunately, a police spokeswoman confirmed that neither victim is in life-threatening condition.
Several passers-by intervened, managing to restrain the attacker until emergency services arrived. Upon their arrival, the suspect reacted aggressively, reportedly hitting and kicking the officers as they attempted to take him into custody. He was arrested at the scene, and the knife believed to be used in the attack was secured by the police.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with investigations ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to this violent outburst. Authorities are working to gather more details and have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
This incident has raised concerns among local residents about safety in public spaces, especially in the lead-up to the Easter holiday weekend. Many are questioning how a person with a restraining order could return to the scene and commit such a violent act.
The police have assured the community that they are taking the matter seriously and are enhancing patrols in the area to ensure public safety. In the meantime, the investigation continues as law enforcement works to piece together the events that led to this alarming attack.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, local leaders are calling for increased measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The focus now is on ensuring that the victims receive the support they need while addressing the broader issues of public safety and mental health that may contribute to such violence.
In light of this incident, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining safety and preventing violence.
As the story develops, updates will be provided to inform the public about the ongoing investigation and any new findings related to the suspect and the circumstances of the attack.